Clear Skin…A Pillowcase Away

Have you tried everything to keep your skin clear? In The Makeup has found a new trick! Change your pillowcase every night. Bacteria only takes one to two nights to grow in your pillowcase.

We all know that too much sebum and too many dead skin cells will clog your pores. But did you know that bacteria getting trapped inside the pores and multiplying is what causes a lot of the swelling and redness that you see in a blemish? Bacteria is so much a part of blemishes that antibiotics used to be a popular method of treating acne, but fell out of favor because the body develops a resistance to antibiotics, making them ineffective.

So get yourself 5 or 7 pillowcases so you can use a new one every night.

Age Perfect Re-Cushioning Serum

L’Oreal Paris is rolling out a serum designed for menopausal and post-menopausal skin, and its called Age Perfect Re-Cushioning Serum.

The serum is so lightweight it comes in a dropper. It contains soy seed proteins combined with jasmine extract to stimulate production of natural collagen fibers to reinforce the skin’s supporting foundation. It promises to help restore and refine skin’s spring and resilience within four weeks of use.

The patented Ceramide-5 found in the serum helps repair skin’s moisture barrier to prevent moisture loss and to provide hydration all day. It also features skin-brightening enhancers to add radiance to the complexion for more even-toned skin. The suggested retail price is $16.59.

Icelandic Relief Eye Cream

Ingredients gathered from Iceland’s air, land and water make this eye cream visibly reduce shadows, puffiness and overall dryness while soothing, strengthening and stabilizing stressed skin.

Now, Skyn Iceland has turned its Icelandic Relief Eye Cream into a convenient, on-the-go treatment with the new Icelandic Relief Eye Pen. Via a soft-tip pen applicator, the Icelandic Relief Eye Pen delivers immediate relief to the delicate under-eye area and diminishes the symptoms of chronic stress around the eyes.

In The Makeup will be stashing this product in our purses for touch-ups.

The new skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen will be available in May exclusively at Sephora for $20.

Boots No7 Re-Launch

In The Makeup Says: Remember almost two years ago (March 2007), a near riot broke out in Yorkshire, England over No 7 Protect & Perfect Serum after it was featured on a BBC Horizon program. The Boots web-site experienced a virtually instant sell-out, the news was that 13 bottles were being bought each minute, and On eBay, the cream began selling for twice the official price. The dermatology team responsible for the sudden popularity of Protect & Perfect  said that they had spent ten months testing a variety of anti-aging products, many of them far more expensive.

Now, Boots has reformulated the range (day Cream, night Cream and a night eye cream product).

The formulation focuses on No7’s patented anti-oxidant complex, which includes gingko biloba, emblica, liprochraomn and vitamin C. Of particular note in the range is the reformulated eye cream, which, according to Boots Skincare scientific advisor “surpasses even our expectations” during the extensive testing that was carried out on the new range.

“In three separate scientific studies on over 230 real women, dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness around the eyes were noticeably reduced in 12 weeks,” Long said.

He believes that the big boost for the eye cream is the inclusion of a new ingredient, Haloxyl, which has never been used in the No7 range before.

Note: The cream sold as Boots N07 Restore & Renew in the U.S., but the British formula was sold on Zitomer – one of our favorite on-line beauty resources.  They were also selling La Roche Posay Mexoryl sunscreen before it was available in the U.S.

8 Ways To Attack PhotoAging

In The Makeup Says: We all know that  its not just wrinkles that make you look older; photoaging is to blame too. So we diligently stay out of the sun; until someone invites us on a beachy vacation.

With beachy vacations in mind, here Are 8 Ways, each with its own pros and cons, to take the spotlight off a spot:

Hydroquinone: The gold standard for topical skin lightening in the United States remains hydroquinone. This substance is controversial and has been removed from the OTC markets in Europe and Asia partially because it damages melanocytes (melanocytes make melanin). While hydroquinone can produce results, even the maximum concentration of hydroquinone (4%) will not lighten pigment that is deep in the skin. Current hydroquinone preparations are unable to reach the middle-to-deep dermis where post-inflammatory acne pigmentation may lie.

Find Hydroquinon in: Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel

Mequinol. At present, mequinol is only available by prescription. It is unknown exactly how mequinol lightens skin, but it is a competitive inhibitor in the formation of melanin precursors. It does not damage the melanocyte like hydroquinone. However, prescription skin lighteners containing mequinol also contain 0.01% tretinoin as a penetration enhancer; vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid; and ascorbyl palmitate, to enhance skin lightening.

Find Mequinol in: Prescription Solage

Retinoids. Many dermatologists combine hydroquinone with prescription tretinoin to improve skin-lightening results. Tretinoin has an effect on skin pigmentation as seen by a decrease in freckling. Although this effect is more dramatic with topical prescription tretinoin, topical OTC retinol has been thought to provide similar effects. Although Retinoids can help lighten dark spots, they also make the skin more vulnerable to new photoaging, so diligent use of sunscreen is necessary.

Find Retinoids in: Philosophy Help Me Retinol Night Treatment

Ascorbic Acid. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is used in OTC pigment-lightening formulations. By itself, low-concentration ascorbic acid is a poor skin-lightening agent, and is often combined with hydroquinone. In higher concentrations, ascorbic acid can be a strong skin irritant due to its low pH, but may induce pigment-lightening by providing skin peeling in lighter-skinned individuals. High concentrations of ascorbic acid must be avoided in people of color, because the irritation paradoxically will darken the skin.

Find Ascorbic Acid In: JASON C-Lite Skin Tone Balancer

Licorice extract. Licorice extracts are used in many OTC products to lighten skin. It must be applied to the skin in a dose of 1 g/day for four weeks in order to see a clinical result. This may not be practical in OTC formulations because of the expense of such a high concentration. Because the licorice extract is an anti-inflammatory, unlike with hydroquinone, retinoids and ascorbic acid, where irritation is the dose-limiting problem.

Find Licorice Extract In: Godiva LicoWhite Cream

Alpha lipoic acid. Alpha lipoic acid is found in some OTC pigment-lightening preparations. However, its ability to lighten skin is doubtful because it is a large molecule with questionable penetration.

Find Alpha Lipoic Acid In: Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Night Cream

Kojic acid. Kojic acid is one of the most popular skin-lightening agents found globally in OTC skin-lightening creams.  Some studies indicate that kojic acid is equivalent to hydroquinone in pigment-lightening results. The problem with kojic acid is again the ability to penetrate the skin and reach its target. It is possible that penetration-enhancers might overcome some of this difficulty; however, damage to the skin barrier and product irritation are common side effects.

Find Kojic Acid in: Lancome Absolue Skin Care Line

Arbutin. Arbutin is obtained from the leaves of the lingonberry and other related plants. Arbutin is not toxic to melanocytes and is used in a variety of pigment-lightening preparations in Japan at concentrations of 3%. Higher concentrations are more efficacious than lower concentrations, but a paradoxical pigment-darkening may occur due to skin irritation. Synthetic versions of arbutin, such as deoxyarbutin, may offer enhanced efficacy.

Find Arbutin In: Shiseido Whitess Intensive Skin Brightener

UVA/UVB SPF 50

Cetaphil facial care products is expanding with the February launch of the new Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50.

The product is designed to provide broad spectrum SPF protection with a blend of five filters and is infused with micronized titanium dioxide to block UVA/UVB rays without leaving a white residue.

The product, which is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, is suitable for people with acne, rosacea, melasma and other skin-related conditioners where a hydrating formula with SPF protection is recommended. The formula hydrates skin for 8 hours.

The average price will be $13.99

In The Makeup Says: Glam.com’s 2008 Beauty Awards named Cetaphil^® Daily Facial Cleanser as reader’s choice for best cleanser, Allure magazine recommends this “dermatologist favorite” and “drugstore classic”, according to E! News, screen star Natalie Portman relies on Cetaphil^® Daily Facial Cleanse, and the accolades go on and on. With Cetaphil’s track record, we feel confident in betting that the upcoming UVA/UVB SPF 50 will be a winner too.

Simply Remove

A THREE-IN-ONE EYE MAKEUP REMOVER

Simply Remove is an eye makeup remover that does three jobs. It takes away eye makeup (of course), it moisturizes (the company says there’s no need to apply another eye moisturizer, but we still do anyways), and it repairs skin with antioxidants.

Plus, the formula is free of alcohol, oil and parabens.

In The Makeup Says: This eye makeup remover needs time to work. Hold the pad over the eye for 60 seconds to allow the makeup to dissolve completely before trying to wipe away. A common mistake made with gentle eye makeup removers is not giving the product enough time to work. What we love most about this product:

The scent: its like aromatherapy eye makeup remover

The packaging: Pink and cute enough to be bathroom decor

The formula: Paraben free! Also, since its oil free you can use a bit on a Q-tip to correct any mistakes during your makeup application, let it dry, and continue applying makeup. Rinsing this product off isn’t necessary at all. In fact, it has ingredients that are good to leave on the skin.

Since Mirabella is carried only at salons and spas, we can’t name an easy place for everyone to find it. But you can look up local retailers at Mirabella Beauty.

Turmeric

TIME FOR TURMERIC

Beauty And The Blog recently posted Pierce Mattie’s prediction that turmeric will be a major skincare player in 2009 as an antiseptic to aid in preventing and removing blemishes, in hair removal products to help slow down the re-growth of hair, and in the formulation of sunscreens.

In The Makeup scoped out this list of Turmeric-full products:

In France, Skeen + Vegeticals created Vegetical Milk Infusion, which claims to cleanse and purify skin from pollution and makeup, even around the eyes. The product contains a high concentration of turmeric, enriched with rosemary floral water and sweet almond oil. Vegeticals is a new line of ECOCERT plant-based skin care made with plant roots from traditional medicine.

Khadi Sandal Herbal Face Pack for dry skin is said to remove fine lines, blackheads and dark circles under the eyes, while conditioning the under-nourished skin. This product should be mixed with fresh milk (honey or water) to make a paste. It can be applied to face, neck and hands.

In Japan, Clinique introduced Derma White Protect & Brighten Eye System. This two-step eye treatment contains separate day and night creams for the eye area. The brightening (night) cream claims to hydrate and lighten the appearance of dark spots over time. The protective (day) cream contains SPF 15/PA++ and helps seal in brightening benefits and prevent new darkening.

Origins Conditioning Lip Balm With Turmeric. This lip treatment highlights turmeric’s rejuvenating characteristics. The company’s Cyber White EX range uses concentrated turmeric extract to help reduce the appearance of “barely visible dark spots just beneath the skin’s surface.”

Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Mushroom Skin-Calming Face Mask. It contains a blend of mushroom extracts with ginger, holy basil and turmeric. The mask is designed to reduce redness and is recommended for use after exposure to stresses such as excessive sun, windburn and waxing in order to quickly calm dry and damaged skin. It also claims to revitalize and restore radiance to stressed skin and rebuild a protective barrier against future irritation.

Liérac’s sun care range contains turmeric for its antioxidant benefits. The Solaire Anti-Wrinkle Eye Contour Sun Cream features SPF 30 sunscreen to protect the eye area and prevent wrinkles from appearing. The formula also contains mineral sun filters, sweet almond extract and prickly pear.

Korres Natural Products Watermelon Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer is an oil-free, SPF 30, high protection, lightweight cream. It is formulated with watermelon extract, vanilla and Turmeric extracts. It claims to prevent photo-aging, decrease erythema (redness of the skin caused by capillary congestion) and provide antioxidant protection.

In The Makeup Says: We’re so used to anti-acne products being drying – we’re thrilled to discover that turmeric does the job while also preventing dryness. Turmeric has also been shown to slow the aging process and wrinkle formation. We’ve been adding a pinch of it to lunch or dinner too – eating turmeric can assist in remodeling of damaged skin and aid in fat metabolism.

Best of Skintentions

Drum roll, please! Bliss has just come out with a new fantastic moisturizer.

Bliss Says: Even a global recession shouldn’t cause anyone to let their skin go.

And they’re putting their money where their mouths are, with a lower-priced new moisturizer called…Skintentions.

In The Makeup Says: This moisturizer has multi-vitamins, minerals, omegas, and SPF 15. This is what “saving face” is all about. While “saving money” is not an In The Makeup category (yet) we think Bliss deserves major credit (excuse the pun). The product costs $35 which is a Bliss bargain.

Ageless Minerale

Lancome introduces Ageless Minerale – an ultra fine mineral loose powder foundation with slip and creaminess.

Ageless Minerale’s claim to fame? White Sapphire Complex – a combination of alumina (to reflect light for a soft focus effect), Bismuth Oxychloride (to provide slip, creaminess, and long wear), Mica (for more light reflection), Vitamine E and SPF 21 (to protect skin from environmental damage), and Aloe (to soothe and moisturize).

How To Snag It: Ageless Minerale began selling at select Lancome counters in January, but in February Lancome will release a limited edition set that will sell for $64.00 and will  include 2 mineral shades, the mineral veil (to set foundation and create a radiant finish), and the brush. Purchasing each item separately would add up to over $150.00

More Inside Scoop: The brush will normally retail for $36, but limited quantities will sell for a promotional price of $26.00

In The Makeup Says: The brush that comes with this product feels AMAZING. It is truly one of the most luxurious-feeling brushes we have ever used, so we were surprised to learn that it is synthetic. Lancome designed this brush with synthetic bristles so that it would release product more easily – making coverage fast and buildable. As for the mineral foundation itself, its aesthetic performance and packaging is similar to that of other department store mineral foundations.

Genifique

Lancome’s latest product launch, Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate, is based on more than 10 years of research and has already secured seven patents.

Lancôme executives say the product, which is self-adjusting, is suitable for users “ages seven to 77” and “It works on all skin types, all ages.”

Génifique is intended to deliver significantly improved tone, texture, luminosity and elasticity inside of four weeks by boosting exactly the proteins the user needs at any given age. According to Lancôme, that is because the three key genes and two key proteins Génifique targets take in only as much of the gene-boosting concentrate as they need. In a nutshell, the formula — driven by two main molecules — is designed to enhance the environment of skin cell genes, which in turn sends an RNA messenger to nurture protein growth in the top stratum corneum layer.

Génifique, which will retail for $78 for a 1-oz. bottle, is also intended to be used in tandem with a serum, moisturizer and/or an exfoliator. The product will launch in all global markets except Asia in April; Asia will get Génifique in September.

In The Makeup Says: Active ingredients include Bio-Lysat, Phystosphingosine-SLC, and Hepes. They go into skin and act as an “alarm clock” – telling skin to produce more of its “youth proteins.” More youth proteins should result in a more youthful quality to the skin. Youthful skin is a drop away? C’est Magnifique! 

Beauty Guru

Australian beauty guru Douglas Pereira offers his 10 tips for feeling “brand new” in 2009.

Look at doing a course of professional peels.

Douglas says “This will create a fresh, clean base to start from. Peels exfoliate your skin, draw out impurities and make your skin more receptive to other products such as moisturizers.” Douglas recommends Ultraceutical peels.

Purchase good quality home care.

Douglas Says “Once you have been in and had your course of peels, make sure you buy great skincare for home to reinforce what you have been doing at the spa or salon. Good products will help replenish moisture and build up water reserves in the skin. Look for products that have anti-ageing and pigmentation- reduction properties as the summer sun has generally taken its toll over the holiday season.” Douglas recommends: Priori Moisturizing facial cream (boost of antioxidants & intensive moisture) and Decleor Hydra Floral Moisturizing cream (soothing and hydration cream).

Sun protection

Douglas Says “Always, always, always use sun protection. Beyond the usual slip, slip, slap, I recommend buying a good quality dual sunscreen/moisturizer.” Douglas recommends: True Solutions Baby Face.

Mineral Makeup

Douglas Says “Mineral makeup is so much kinder to your skin in the heat and is an extension of your skincare. Your skin will actually absorb minerals and nutrients from it, as opposed to a synthetic foundation which tends to harm rather than help your skin.” Douglas recommends: ID Mineral Makeup

Specified Treatment Products

Douglas Says “Get some advice on products that will treat problem areas such as pigmentation and invest in a good treatment product.” Douglas recommends: Ultraceuticals Even Skin Tone Serum and Priori Even Tone with Idebenone

Exfoliate

Douglas Says “If you want to look great all over, make sure you regularly exfoliate your skin with something that has both granules and glycolic acid.” Douglas recommends: MD Formulations Face and Body Scrub

Body Moisturizer

Douglas Says “To keep your skin really well hydrated and avoid that sticky, clammy feeling go for something light that has AHAs in it.” Douglas recommends: Priori hand and body moisturizer

Take your vitamins

Douglas Says “If you’re not already taking a vitamin and mineral supplement, I highly recommend it. It will stimulate collagen production, help your body fight free radicals and give your whole body a boost.” Douglas recommends: Ultraceuticals Ultra Active Antioxidant Supplements

Get a spray tan

Douglas Says “Even if you’ve been out worshipping the sun all summer long, there’s no time like the present to halt UV damage and repent. Most of the spray tans you can get now smell great and only take 2 hours to ‘process’ so there’s no more funky smells or eight hour wait until you can have a shower.” Douglas recommends: Naked Tan

Get your teeth whitened

Douglas Says “You will instantly look healthier and it will give your eyes a lift.” Douglas recommends: Go Smile teeth brightening kit

 

SkinGlow Bedding

December 29, 2008 – London Luxury LLC announced its SkinGlow bedding collection is exclusively available at select Bed Bath & Beyond® stores and nationwide on bedbathandbeyond.com.

London Luxury’s SkinGlow bedding collection is infused with copper technology that is dermatologist tested and clinically proven to smooth and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet and other skin imperfections in just four weeks of use.

The SkinGlow line utilizes patented Cupron copper technology. Copper ions woven into the fabric are activated by moisture released from the body during sleep, beautifying skin’s appearance, making it look smoother and younger while nourishing stressed and aging skin. The ions last for the lifetime of the product, even after repeated washings, without losing effectiveness, as long as fabric softeners aren’t used. In addition to its beauty benefits, the non-sensitizing and non-irritating copper-infused fabric has natural deodorant properties that reduce body odor-causing bacteria, fungus and microbes. The pillows, pillow covers and comforters range in price from $19.99 to $249.99.

In The Makeup Says: In our quest to avoid long-term pillow wrinkles, we have tried sleeping on silk (always feels like we’re slipping off the pillow), sleeping only on our backs (we never wake up that way), caging ourselves in with body pillows so we can’t roll over in our sleep (we still roll over), and sleeping with frownies stuck to our faces (not pretty). So we read the Study to Determine the Efficacy in Improving Attributes of Facial Skin when Using Cupron (Copper-Oxide Containing) Pillowcases and SkinGlow might be the one.

A Fresh Batch of Skin Care

You can have fresh fruits and veggies delivered to your door. Why not fresh skin care too?

“It has been scientifically shown that over time the optimum efficacy of the active ingredients in any skin care product drops significantly. Therefore, it is highly recommended to apply skin care products as soon as they are manufactured to guarantee maximum efficacy,” says Dr. Chung CEO of Dermaheal USA Corp. “That is why Dermaheal has come up with the revolutionary concept to deliver its product to customers by mail immediately after it is manufactured.”

If products are manufactured on a Monday, Dermaheal can ship them to customers by Wednesday or Thursday for receipt by the end of the same week.

In addition to peptides and nano-capsulation technology, Dermaheal contains about 70 percent plant extracts (such as ginkgo biloba leaf, camellia sinesis leaf and liquorice root extract), fermented organic ingredients, to address skin problems like wrinkles, sagging, dryness, spots and signs of fatigue. It also helps balance the skin’s pH level, elasticity and radiance.

Using the pharmaceutical-grade delivery system of nanotechnology, the active peptides are embedded within tiny capsules called nanosomes. Nanosomes have the incredible ability to pass through the dead layers of the skin and actually reach the deep layers where living skin cells reside.

Dermaheal 2 Weeks Miracle is available in two product lines – Redesign (anti-aging and anti-wrinkle) and Rise N Shine (skin brightening and anti-pigmentation). Each product comes in a set of four items: a moisturizing solution or toner, a correcting serum, a moisturizing cream and an eye cream. Each package lasts for two weeks,

Dermaheal has been used throughout Southeast Asia, Europe, and Middle East since 2002 and is available directly from Dermaheal’s Web site, www.2weeksmiracleusa.com.

In The Makeup Says: In the quest for the freshest skin care, we’ve whipped up our fair share of honey masks, yogurt cleansers, and sugar scrubs. Could we really have skin care as fresh as our food without putting the groceries on our faces? We’re intrigued, but we’re holding out for reviews. Dear Readers, please post comments if you’ve tried the two weeks miracle….

Sleeping Beauty

Next month, Dr. Murad will introduce Sleep Reform Serum and Supplements. The products will use a Repair Enhancing Matrix developed to increase the depth and duration of restorative sleep which, according to Dr. Murad, is the best anti-aging cure out there.

“By increasing the body and skin’s ability to sleep better, we can improve collagen proliferation and synthesis and reverse the course of aging,” Dr. Murad says.

Sleep Reform Serum ($97 for 1 oz.) is intended to smooth and plump for more youthful skin while Sleep Reform Supplements ($49.50 for 60 tablets) are intended to help reduce nighttime disturbances, hydrate, and protect skin from free radical damage incurred during the day.

In The Makeup Says: Beauty sleep is just as important as lipgloss and mascara. But your face  isn’t the only part of you that needs beauty sleep. Your figure does too. According to WebMD, when you don’t get enough sleep, ghrelin levels rise; and ghrelin stimulates appetite, so you’ll be hungrier. Plus, being sleepy makes physical activity less likely. Studies recommend 7-9 hours a night; In The Makeup says there is no shame in 10-12.

Perfect Mask

Kate Hudson is said to use it…

3LAB Perfect Mask:
A purifying mask that lifts, firms, and brightens skin. Infused with Nano-Claire GY^TM,
the world’s first bio-engineered growth hormone for younger, firmer skin.

3LAB Says:

Multi-functioning anti-aging treatment mask that helps to reduce fine lines
- Instantly improves lackluster complexion
- Purifies the skin and promote collagen production
- Increases circulation and gives skin a radiant glow
- Gives a boost to sagging skin
- Improves skin texture and moisture level

Key Ingredients:

Nano-Claire GY^TM : a bio-engineered growth hormone that mimics the hormones lost naturally as we age;
helps speed up cellular turnover
- Matrxyl : stimulates fibroblast production and increases the rate of collagen synthesis
- SymGlucan : an anti-aging ingredient for advanced moisturizing that helps treat wrinkles non-invasively
and promotes wound and scar healing
- Green Tea Extract : a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties
- Ginko Biloba Extract : a powerful antioxidant that helps to improve blood circulation; gives skin a healthy glow

In The Makeup Says: This 10 minute-mask gives your skin the look and feel of a full facial. Keep this indulgence in your stash of beauty tricks for when you need an hour at the spa, but don’t even have time to book the appointment. Available at Barneys for $120.

Ultra Correction Line Repair

This January, Chanel will release a new weapon in anti-aging – Ultra Correction Line Repair, a five-unit treatment line whose sophisticated soft textures will surely seduce even the most youthful beauty mavens.

One of the most relevant and well-known causes of wrinkles is the slow down of cell renewal and the thinning of the skin. Ultra Correction Line Repair, however, will address a hitherto under-exposed cause, the hardening of the collagen in the skin. Containing an entirely new material, Cedar Bay FPA, it will work to increase flexibility in collagen tissue so that resilience is restored, recovering skin volume and fullness. As we are accustomed, the scent of this Chanel product is soft and subtle. Prices will range from $77 to $135, and model Shalom Harlow, one of our favorites, will star in the campaign.

In The Makeup Says: We always welcome new technology in the fight against wrinkles. We will certainly be waiting to say “Shalom” to this new arsenal.

Aqua Veil Pure Hydration Serum

Amarte Says: A light and fresh hydrating serum. Natural herbs and intensive moisturizing ingredients synergize in softness as the skin soaks in nature’s moist, pure vitality. A visible ‘magic water’ aqua veil is formed immediately upon application with resultant coolness and softness. Ideal for all skin types. Hydrates, calms.

In The Makeup Says:

We have to agree with Korea – this is magic water. It feels like a pillow of cucumber water at first, and then disappears. Key Ingredients include Extracts of Cucumber, which has been shown to be moisture-binding and moisture-regulating with softening properties; Mallow Flower, which softens the skin; Sambucus Nigra Flower, which reduces swelling, irritation, and inflammation; Arnica Montana, which has a long history of use in healing wounds; Parietaria Officinalis, which is used to improve scars; and Hedera Helix which conditions and decongests the skin.

Get it for under $45.00 at www.amarteusa.com It’s not only addicting, but its tempting us to try more Amarte products.

Olay Professional Pro-X

Olay’s newest range, Olay Professional-Pro-X, is scheduled to hit select mass market outlets at the end of December, with national roll-out planned for January. Packaged in clinical-looking, bright red- and-white boxes, Olay Professional looks to be the high-end consumers’ skin care solution accessible in a drugstore.

Olay Professional consists of six items, each priced at around $42. Three of the six are termed the “hard hitters,” which are the primary skin care solutions in the line; they are the Age Repair Lotion with SPF 30, Hydra Firming Cream and Wrinkle Smoothing Cream. The other three items are meant to target acute anti-aging needs and include Deep Wrinkle Treatment, Discoloration Fighting Concentrate and Eye Restoration Complex.

A Starter Protocol will sell for $62 and include half sizes of the Age Repair Lotion SPF 30, the Wrinkle Smoothing Cream and the Eye Restoration Complex. Except for the discoloring concentrate, all of the items utilize a new proprietary peptide, Pal-KT — a newer proposition than what is found in Olay Regenerist. According to Dr. Rosemarie Osborne, a principal scientist at P&G Beauty, Pal-KT increases not just hydration but builds collagen and elastin. The firming cream includes hexamidine, which is said to increase lipids in the surface barrier of the skin.

In The Makeup Says: It may seem far-fetched to shop for $42 youth-elixirs at the drugstore. After all, isn’t CVS where we go when we’ve just spent the family fortune on a new pair of Christian Loubutons and then find out that we are completely out of La Mer? Not anymore. Today, the line in the sand is being re-drawn. The infamous Nadine Habosh (aka Jolie) declares that “when you buy a $75 moisturizer, more than half of what you’re paying for is prestige.” We’re not suggesting that anyone become a drugstore-beauty captive. We’re promoting savviness. Unless you’re blessed with more money that God, savvy shopping is a beauty commandment. Who wants to live on egg noodles in their retirement? In The Makeup would much rather walk a smart line between department and drugstore. And if Olay’s scientists, who did, after all, bring us the Regenerist line, can compete with La Mer scientists, then Olay Pro X will not only earn the right to sit on our vanities, but will earn our reverence as well.